Ogun Bans Graduation Ceremonies for Pupils, Cites Financial Burden on Parents

The Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has banned graduation ceremonies for pupils in Nursery, Kindergarten, and other non-terminal classes in all public and private schools across the state, in a move aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and guardians.

The directive, contained in a circular referenced PRVS 426/5 and dated June 18, 2026, was addressed to all public and private school administrators through the Zonal Education Officers, was signed by Bisiriyu A.A., Director of Education (Private Schools), acting for the Permanent Secretary, and was received by PUNCH Online on Friday.

Under the new rules, graduation ceremonies will now be limited strictly to pupils completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three (JSS 3), and Senior Secondary School Three (SSS 3) — classes the Ministry described as "completing key stages of formal education."

Even for these terminal classes, the Ministry said ceremonies must be conducted modestly and "at no financial cost to learners, parents, or guardians."

The circular went further, placing an explicit ban on what it called extravagant practices at graduation events.

"The use of canopies, Aso Ebi, customized attire, or any other forms of extravagant social displays during graduation ceremonies is strictly prohibited," it stated.

Schools have also been advised to shift focus toward academic recognition and character development, rather than elaborate social events that risk adding to the financial pressures already facing many families in the state.

The Ministry directed all school proprietors and administrators to ensure the directive is widely circulated and strictly complied with, warning that any school found in violation would face sanctions under existing regulations governing school operations in Ogun State.

The new directive builds on an earlier circular in which the state had moved to discontinue all graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties across public and private schools. That earlier order came after the Ministry said it had received reports of schools exploiting the events to extract money from parents.

"It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools have started extorting parents/guardians under the disguise of organising graduation/end-of-session parties for learners," that circular had stated.